National Geographic Explorers Festival photo

HOUGHTON – With the Winter Solstice just behind us, January nights in the U.P. continue to be long affairs. What could be a better time of year to remind ourselves of the beauty and splendor on display after the Sun sets all over the world? At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, the Rozsa Center, on the Michigan Tech campus, invites the public to embrace an evening, free of charge, with National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi as he uncovers the stories that

happen when night falls here on Earth.

Tafreshi has spent his career documenting wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos – from dark national parks to bright urban areas – with the belief

that people everywhere can connect through the shared experience of simply looking up. “I have been absolutely amazed by all of the local photographers that have told me that Babak is somebody that they’ve followed for years and that they’re thrilled to have him here to speak at the Rozsa”, said Kiersten Birondo, executive director of the Rozsa Center.

Babak Tafreshi is a Photographer and Cinematographer who merges art and science through visual stories. Tafreshi created The World At Night program in 2007 with the message of One People One Sky and has been directing its team of photographers in approximately 30 countries. He received the 2009 Lennart Nilsson Award, the world’s most recognized scientific imaging award at the time, for his effort to reconnect humanity with the natural world using night sky images.

He has been a National Geographic contributor since 2012, and he is a 2022 National Geographic Society Wayfinder Award recipient. In coordination with Tafreshi’s visit to the Rozsa, the Keweenaw Land Trust, a community partner, has organized the Nature by Night event series.

“There are so many great outdoor activities to enjoy here in the winter!”, says Tiff DeGroot, community engagement manager for KLT. “We hope Nature by Night gets you outside to try a new adventure. Join us to listen for owls, try evening cross-country skiing, or share stories by the campfire. You may just leave with a deeper appreciation of winter.”

Nature by Night events are also free to the public and details can be found on the KLT website. The Rozsa’s celebration of night also includes a special Through the Quiet Hours exhibit in the Rozsa Art Gallery. The show opens the night of Tafreshi’s visit is curated by Rozsa Galleries director Terri Jo Frew in assistance with local artist Thomas Oliver. It showcases works by local artists inspired by the Keweenaw after nightfall.

“I don’t think that the Keweenaw night skies are just inspiring for artists, rather they are inspiring for all who view them”, says Frew. “Who knows the Keweenaw night sky better than those residing locally? This show is also a chance for the Rozsa Galleries to represent local artistic voices- something that is important.”

“I’m so excited that we have this opportunity to collaborate with the Rozsa Art Gallery and local artists along with Keweenaw Land Trust who are such an important part of preserving the natural spaces in our area,” Birondo said.

“We are absolutely overjoyed to have this event that is not just about bringing an incredible speaker and photographer here, but also working together with others in our community to really make it local and to show how Babak Tafreshi is doing something that is so relevant right here where we are.”

From the Milky Way to meteor showers to fireflies that emerge at dusk on neighborhood streets, our eyes open a little wider at the stunning photos and videos of National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi. Don’t miss this free engagement, including a question and answer session, and the accompanying events from January 15 – 18, 2026. This event is free and open to the public.